THE UNIVERSITY of the Visayas Green Lancers showed their readiness to take back the crown that they once had for many years as they demolished a team composed of former Lancers bannered by several ex-pros, 77-60, in an exhibition game last Thursday evening at the UV gym.
The regulars made quick work of their opponents with a game predicated on frenetic defense and fastbreak offense, as they led, 20-9, after the first 12 minutes of action. Playing over on the ex-Lancers side were Stephen Padilla, Joseph Quinahan, Bruce Dacia, Ronald Bucao, Randy dela Pisa, Jezar Esperat, Jaymar Canoy, Randy Sevilla, Morsie Akad, Aldrin Ocañada, Dante Elim, Ronald Maglasang, Ariel Mepana and Harlow Chad Villanil.
The Lancers extended their lead to 14, 36-22, in the third but their older counterparts rallied with baskets from Ariel Mepana to come within just seven, 29-36. However, the regulars finished that stretch strong and pushed the lead back to 15, 49-34, heading to the final canto.
The ex-Lancers had one last fight in them as they let go of an 11-2 run led by Villanil, Akad and Elim. But the regulars of head coach Felix Belano proved to be too headstrong as they countered with an 8-2 rally that put the game out of reach.
Edrian Lao paced the winners with 12 markers and was the only player in double-digits in the entire game. Dela Pisa and Ocañada each had nine to lead the ex-Lancers.
UV team manager Gerald Anthony Gullas, who watched the game along with UV president Eduardo Gullas, liked what he saw with the team getting ready to compete in the Cesafi wars.
“For the first time in 10 years, we come in as underdogs. I can’t predict anything but one thing is for sure, we are as hungry as ever, from our rookies to our veterans to our coaching staff. We will lay it all on the line when the season start to once again come out on top,” he said. Correspondent Jonas Panerio